share torah logo

Exodus 39:25 - Golden bells announce holiness

Exodus 39:25 - שמות 39:25

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעֲשׂוּ פַעֲמֹנֵי זָהָב טָהוֹר וַיִּתְּנוּ אֶת־הַפַּעֲמֹנִים בְּתוֹךְ הָרִמֹּנִים עַל־שׁוּלֵי הַמְּעִיל סָבִיב בְּתוֹךְ הָרִמֹּנִים׃

English Translation

And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates;

Transliteration

Va'ya'asu pa'amonei zahav tahor va'yitnu et-hapa'amonim b'toch harimonim al-shulei hame'il saviv b'toch harimonim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּעֲשׂ֥וּ פַעֲמֹנֵ֖י זָהָ֣ב טָה֑וֹר וַיִּתְּנ֨וּ אֶת־הַפַּֽעֲמֹנִ֜ים בְּת֣וֹךְ הָרִמֹּנִ֗ים עַל־שׁוּלֵ֤י הַמְּעִיל֙ סָבִ֔יב בְּת֖וֹךְ הָרִמֹּנִֽים׃
וַיַּעֲשׂ֥וּ פַעֲמֹנֵ֖י זָהָ֣ב טָה֑וֹר וַיִּתְּנ֨וּ אֶת־הַפַּֽעֲמֹנִ֜ים בְּת֣וֹךְ הָרִמֹּנִ֗ים עַל־שׁוּלֵ֤י הַמְּעִיל֙ סָבִ֔יב בְּת֖וֹךְ הָרִמֹּנִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Golden Bells and Pomegranates on the Kohen Gadol's Robe

The verse describes the crafting of golden bells (pa'amonim) and their placement between pomegranates (rimonim) on the hem of the me'il (robe) of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). This detail is part of the intricate design of the priestly garments commanded in Parashat Tetzaveh (Shemot 28:31-35).

Symbolism of the Bells and Pomegranates

  • Audible Sanctity: Rashi (Shemot 28:35) explains that the bells served a practical purpose: their sound announced the Kohen Gadol's entry into the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur, ensuring he would not enter unannounced and risk divine displeasure (see also Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:2).
  • Spiritual and Ethical Lessons: The Midrash (Midrash Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 10) teaches that the alternating bells and pomegranates symbolize the balance between speech (pa'amonim, representing sound) and deeds (rimonim, whose many seeds represent mitzvot). A Jew must harmonize righteous actions with proper speech.
  • Purity and Holiness: The Zohar (II:231a) associates the pure gold of the bells with the refinement of character, suggesting that the Kohen Gadol’s service required inner purity to match the outer splendor of the garments.

Halachic and Kabbalistic Insights

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 99) connects the bells to the concept of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying commandments), as the exquisite craftsmanship honored the Divine service. Kabbalistically, the Arizal (Likutei Torah, Tetzaveh) notes that the 72 bells (as derived from gematria and tradition) correspond to divine energies (sefirot) channeled through the Kohen Gadol’s avodah.

Structural Design and Meaning

The Talmud (Yoma 72a) emphasizes that the bells were placed "between the pomegranates"—not merely adjacent—teaching that holiness must permeate every aspect of life, just as the sound of the bells infused the sacred space. The arrangement also reflects the interdependence of Torah study (rimonim, symbolizing wisdom) and action (pa'amonim, representing implementation).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 88b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the garments of the High Priest, particularly the robe (me'il) with its bells and pomegranates, as part of the broader discussion on priestly vestments and their significance.
📖 Arakhin 16a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the details and requirements of the High Priest's garments, emphasizing the importance of the bells and pomegranates on the hem of the robe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the golden bells on the High Priest's robe?
A: The golden bells on the High Priest's robe (Me'il) served both a practical and spiritual purpose. According to Rashi (Exodus 28:35), the sound of the bells announced the High Priest's entry into the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur, ensuring he was alive and not struck down for improper service. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:2) explains that the bells also symbolized the importance of making one's presence known before entering sacred spaces.
Q: Why were the bells placed between pomegranates on the robe?
A: The pomegranates and bells alternated on the hem of the High Priest's robe as a symbolic representation. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 10) teaches that the pomegranates, filled with seeds, symbolize Torah scholars whose minds are full of wisdom like a pomegranate is full of seeds. The bells represent good deeds and mitzvot, which 'make noise' in the world through their positive impact.
Q: What can we learn from the detail about pure gold bells?
A: The fact that the bells were made of 'pure gold' (Exodus 39:25) teaches us about the importance of sincerity in divine service. The Kli Yakar (Exodus 28:33) explains that just as gold is the purest metal, our service to Hashem should be pure and untainted by ulterior motives. The sound of the pure gold bells represents pure intentions in our prayers and mitzvot.
Q: How does the concept of the High Priest's bells apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have the Temple service, the Talmud (Berachot 3a) derives from these bells that one should never enter another person's home (or any place) suddenly, but should knock or announce oneself first. This teaches the Jewish value of respecting others' privacy and space. Additionally, the combination of bells (sound) and pomegranates (visual beauty) reminds us to make our mitzvot both visible and audible in the world through kind actions and words.
Q: Why were there bells specifically on the hem of the robe?
A: The placement on the hem teaches that holiness permeates every aspect of life, even the 'lowest' or most mundane parts. The Sforno (Exodus 28:33) explains that the bells at the bottom of the robe symbolized that the High Priest's every step was sanctified. This reminds us that even our ordinary daily activities can be elevated to holiness when performed with proper intention.